Brussels, 08/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 7 November, European Commissioner for Transport Siim Kallas and his counterpart for climate action, Connie Hedegaard, continued their discussions on CO2 emissions from ships. The two commissioners talked with stakeholders within the framework of the third meeting of the high-level platform on carbon emissions from the maritime sector. Kallas said that this meeting had been constructive and all stakeholders considered that it was necessary to continue making additional efforts, whilst striving to reach an overall consensus. Speaking on Twitter, he was keen to enourage their stepping up of work at a global level.
The European Commission is expected to present a legislative proposal on this subject by the end of 2012. So far, five options are on the table, including the possible application of the emissions-trading scheme (ETS). The ETS is currently a very contentious issue, given that it will be applied to the aviation sector next January. The European Commission is expected to carry out an impact analysis to support the best approach to adopt.
Maritime navigation is responsible for 3% of carbon emissions at an international level, although this mode transports approximately 85% of goods traded throughout the world. In its Transport White Paper, presented this year, the Commission seeks to reduce emissions from maritime navigation by 40% by 2050, in comparison to 2005 levels. (MD/transl.fl)